The Ashes: England name Shoaib Bashir in squad for first Perth Test against Australia

While a string of England Ashes victories at home and abroad have been built on pace, they have never fielded so many fast bowlers in the same team.

The team that won at home in the famous 2005 series included Steve Harmison, Simon Jones and Andrew Flintoff.

Raymond Illingworth’s triumphant visitors to Australia in 1970-71 included Bob Willis, Peter Lever and John Snow, and the winning England team in 1954-55 included Brian Statham and Frank ‘Typhoon’ Tyson.

Perhaps England’s most famous tour of Australia, the 1932–33 Bodyline series caused diplomatic tensions between the two countries due to the short bowling scheme designed to upset the great Don Bradman.

On this occasion – one of the most eagerly awaited Ashes series in recent times – England are looking to reverse an abysmal record – they failed to win a Test in Australia in 2011.

Only five members of the 16-man squad have played a Test in Australia but Atkinson says that could work in England’s favour.

“That could be an advantage,” he told BBC Sport. “There are a lot of players in Australia who say they are having a tough time.

“For us, we’re a very relaxed, very positive group. There’s no scarring. It’s very exciting. We all see this as a great opportunity to do something special.”

Australia’s net session on Wednesday was briefly postponed due to a lightning threat.

Jack Weatherald is expected to make his debut in the home team’s opener, while off-pace bowler Brendan Doggett will also be involved after the injuries to captain Pat Cummins and fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood.